Leeds United must offer George Hirst first-team football at Elland Road

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It looks increasingly likely that Sheffield Wednesday’s talented striker George Hirst will be on his way out of the club this summer. His contract expires at the end of the current campaign and any chance of a renewal with the Owls looks to have completely dissipated. Hirst has been at the centre of an often-publicised rift with the Wednesday hierarchy over his future and his time at the club appears over.

This week it has even been reported that Manchester United are in pole position for his signature. Sky Sports report that the Red Devils want the teenage striker, whilst also documenting the interest of Premier League rivals Everton and Leicester City.

But another team who have been linked with Hirst, son of Wednesday legend David Hirst, before are Leeds United.

Last year, Sheffield Wednesday chairman Depjohn Chansiri confirmed to Owlstalk that Hirst had refused to sign a new contract, with Wednesday rejecting a bid from one ‘local Championship club’ in the summer.

The Daily Mail then claimed that Leeds remain interested in signing Hirst after a failed approach.

Hirst is attracting interest with good reason. He is considered one of England’s finest striking talents. He has scored goals galore up to under-20 level and helped them win the Toulon Tournament last summer.

So how can Leeds beat out their big rivals Manchester United in the race to sign such a big talent?

It’s simple really. With the promise of regular first-team football. Manchester United would be tough to refuse, but the fact is Hirst will be back to playing under-23 football.

Whilst only 19, Hirst already looks prepared for the demands of regular first-team football, at a Championship level.

Leeds United’s new boss Paul Heckingbottom appears ready to give youngsters a chance and Hirst could expect to play 20-plus games at Elland Road if he decided to remain in Yorkshire this summer.

Manchester United are imposing rivals to go against, and ones Leeds would love to get the better over. But with the promise of breaking into the first-team, it is hard to see Hirst rejecting a move to Leeds United this summer.